Identity Theft Prevention

  1. Never carry your social security card in your wallet. Always keep it in a safe and secure location.
  2. Monitor your credit report at least once a year.
  3. Be careful of what you put in your regular trash (i.e. magazine/catalog labels, credit card offers, bills, etc.)
  4. Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.
  5. Don't use "easy" information for verification, like Mother's maiden name, birth date, last 4 digits of your SSN# or a series of consecutive numbers. (Example: When you are asked for your Mother's Maiden name on an application for a new account, try utilizing a password instead).
  6. Before you reveal any pertinent information, verify how the information is going to be used and secured, and whether it will be shared with others. Ask "Will this information be shared?"
  7. Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help. or are having service work done in your home.
  8. DO NOT give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you've initiated contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with. ID Thieves are skilled liars, and may pose as a representative of your bank, internet service provider, a government agency, etc. to get you to divulge your pertinent information.
  9. Guard your mail and trash from theft.
  10. Deposit your outgoing mail in a post office collection box or at your local post office, NOT an unsecured mailbox.
  11. If you are going to be away from home for any extended period of time, contact the U.S. Postal Service (800.275.8777 ) for a "Vacation Hold."
  12. Shred any material that you are going to dispose of (i.e. credit card bills, applications, utility bills...basically anything with information that you would find on a normal credit report.
  13. Use either a personal shredder (personal use) or a "AAA" certified shredding company for your business needs! Whatever means you choose, please destroy important information.

Identity Theft: What to do if you are a VICTIM!

  1. Contact the Fraud Departments of the 3 major credit bureaus:

    • Equifax: 800-525-6285
    • Experian: 888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 800-680-7289

    Make sure that they flag your file with a "fraud alert". Include a statement that creditors should get your permission before the opening of any new accounts. Make sure you ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. Review them for any fraudulent activity.

  2. Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Speak with the security or fraud department, and follow up in writing.

  3. File a report with your local police or with the police in the area where the theft took place. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

  4. Report identity theft to the FTC's toll-free ID Theft hotline: 877-438-4338 and also ask for a copy of ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name [FTC business hours are 9am to 8pm EST. You can also visit the FTC's website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Information courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission